The Decorative & Fine Arts Society was the inspiration of the late Mrs Patricia Fay in England,1965. The Chiltern Antiques Group, later to become the Chiltern Society, brought together a small group of people interested in the arts who wished to broaden their knowledge.

The first Australian Decorative & Fine Arts Society was formed in Sydney by Mrs Patricia Robertson. Encouraged and assisted by the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies in the UK, ADFAS Sydney held its first lecture in March 1985.

Other ADFAS societies were quickly established, leading to the formation of the Association of Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies in 1989. There are currently 37 Societies located from Hobart to Cairns, with a further Society in Perth nearing incorporation.

ADFAS still enjoys close ties with its UK counterpart, now known as The Arts Society, and draws the majority of its overseas lecturers from the Arts Society Register.

The Association of ADFAS is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the arts across metropolitan and rural communities. In addition to hosting an annual lecture series, many societies create arts-related opportunities for young people and conduct research projects into buildings of cultural and historical significance.

The ADFAS story is one of growth and generosity of spirit. The enthusiasm of our volunteers ensures that ADFAS will continue to thrive, providing members with opportunities to develop their knowledge of the fine arts and to support the preservation of our national artistic heritage.